Eritrea: Impact of Modern Integrated Farming Described Significant in the Central Region

Asmara — The Administration of the Central region indicated that bountiful harvest was collected in 2012 through introduction of modern integrated farming techniques by the Agriculture Ministry's branch and stake holders.

It made the remark at an assessment meeting during which it was stated that the attained level of harvest per hectare was 50 quintals, while the rate of harvest obtained through traditional mode of farming is 10 quintals per hectare.

Mr. Abraham Daniel, head of the Agriculture Ministry's branch in the region, explained that the intensive farming approach involved the cultivation of wheat varieties for bread and pasta, besides hybrid select of maize. He further disclosed that more than 1.3 million tree seedlings were planted in a total of 390 hectares through popular participation of communities, associations, EDF members and the Summer Work Program.

Moreover, 2 micro-dams with a capacity of irrigating a total of 80 hectares have been constructed at an expenditure of 10 million Nakfa, in addition to the putting in place of drip irrigation infrastructure in 117 hectares and the preparation of more than 100,000 seedlings of temperate fruits.

In remarks he made at the meeting, the Minister of Agriculture, Mr. Arefaine Berhe, said that the Ministry has been exerting commendable efforts regarding human resource development, thus making noticeable impact in national endeavors towards ensuring food security. Also speaking at the meeting, the regional Administrator, Mr. Kahsai Gebrehiwet, asserted that the integrated farming mode would be introduced extensively.

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